Child&#39;s roller skate

ABSTRACT

A child&#39;s roller skate; a frame therefor; a method of combining a frame and shoe in a skate: a frame upper portion attachable to a shoe bottom by a bolt and a nut. Means in the frame for accepting, retaining and rotationally stabilizing the inserted nut so that the bolt may be screwed into the nut by pressing it into the nut and turning it relative to the frame, no separate tool being needed to stabilize the nut. A bolt inserted vertically through bore; a nut inserted laterally into a guide. A frame including front and rear support receptacles for rotatably housing front and rear axles, preferably via bearings, one per axle. One support receptacle, preferably both, are formed integrally with the frame. The frame preferably is formed of plastic. A frame lower portion, preferably formed integrally with the frame extends beneath the frame upper portion between the front support and rear receptacles. Brake blocks attachable to frame in same manner as shoe. Reduced weight, height, material, and assembly steps.

SPECIFICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Austrian Utility Model Application No. GM 300/2002, filed May 13, 2002, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a child's roller skate in which a shoe forms a sole having a frame fastened to the sole by screws, the frame providing for front and rear roller axles.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A child's roller skate generally comprises a frame which is adapted in length to the relatively short child's shoe, but otherwise is constructed in the same way as is an adult's roller skate. Customarily the frame is screwed to shoe sole. The frame has receptacles for front and a rear roller axles. On each roller axle, two rollers are supported via bearings. The heavy weight of metallic frames is disadvantageous for children's' roller skates. Additionally, inserting the support axles into the receptacles of the frame via the support frame makes the frame too tall to be suitable for children and increases the danger of tilting about the longitudinal axis of the shoe.

[0006] What is needed is a child's roller skate whose frame is lighter and has reduced overall height.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the frame for a child's roller skate in accordance with the present invention includes a frame upper portion adapted for approximation to a shoe. The frame upper portion is attachable to a shoe by a bolt and a nut. The frame includes means for accepting insertion of the nut and for confining and rotationally stabilizing the inserted nut so that the bolt may be screwed into the nut by pressing it into the nut and turning it relative to the frame. The frame also includes front and rear support receptacles for rotatably housing front and rear axles. One and preferably both support receptacles are formed integrally with the frame. A frame lower portion extends beneath the frame upper portion and connects the front support receptacle to the rear support receptacle. The result is a lightweight, rigid frame which can be secured to a shoe without the need to hold the nut with a wrench or other tool, because the frame retains and stabilizes the nut while the bolt is turned.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of the frame for a child's roller skate in accordance with the present invention, the support receptacle houses a bearing set, the bearing set being capable of supporting an axle. The single bearing set can replace the pair of bearing sets commonly used in a four-wheeled roller skate. The number of parts and assembly steps is reduced. The omission of an additional support structure between the frame and the bearing set (or other axle-supporting structure) reduces the weight and overall height of the frame.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is formed of plastic, further reducing weight and cost.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is further adapted for approximation to at least one brake block, the frame is attachable to the brake block by a bolt and a nut, and the frame includes means for accepting insertion of the nut and for so confining and rotationally stabilizing the inserted nut that the bolt may be secured to the nut by rotation relative to the frame while approximated to the nut. Thus, the brake block, like the shoe may be attached to the frame with minimal tools.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the means for accepting insertion of the nut is configured for insertion of the nut laterally and for approximation of the bolt to the nut with the bolt oriented substantially vertically. The nut is inserted from the side. The bolt is inserted into the nut from above.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame includes a substantially vertical bore for accepting the bolt and a substantially horizontal guide for accepting insertion of the nut and retaining the nut. The nut is positionable within the guide and in alignment with the vertical bore so as to receive the bolt and to transmit torque from the bolt to the frame.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame lower portion is formed integrally with the frame upper portion.

[0014] An exemplary method of combining a frame and a shoe in a child's roller skate includes the method including the steps of providing a shoe having a sole and providing a frame. The frame has a frame upper portion adapted for approximation to a shoe. The frame also has front and rear support receptacles for rotatably housing front and rear axles, at least one of the front and rear support receptacles being formed integrally with the frame. The frame also has a frame lower portion located below the frame upper portion and connecting the front support receptacle to the rear support receptacle; approximating the frame upper portion to the sole. The method includes the further steps of passing a bolt from the sole into the frame, inserting a nut into the frame, approximating the bolt to the nut; and rotating the bolt relative to the frame to secure the nut to the bolt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numbers and wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the frame for a child's roller skate in accordance with the invention; and

[0017]FIG. 2 shows a section along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018]FIG. 1 shows a partial side sectional view, and FIG. 2 a sectional view, of an exemplary embodiment of a roller skate 40 in accordance with the present invention, comprising a shoe 42 having a sole 44 including a sole forefoot portion 64, a sole heel portion 66, a sole bottom surface 68, and a sole top surface 70. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and particularly FIG. 1, a sole front bore 72 is defined vertically within the sole forefoot portion 64 and is open at the sole bottom surface 68 and at the sole top surface 70. A sole rear bore 74 is defined vertically within the sole heel portion 66 and is open at the sole bottom surface 68 and at the sole top surface 70. The sole 44 is formed of nylon, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material suitable for a sole for roller skating footwear.

[0019] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a frame 46 includes a frame upper portion 78, a frame top surface 76, a frame lower portion 80, a frame front end 102 defining a frame front face 138, and a frame rear end 104 defining a frame rear face 140. The frame 46 is formed of a plastic material, although it could be formed of another hard, stiff, strong, durable material. The shape and material of the frame 46 allow it to carry the loads imposed on a child's roller skate while adding very little weight. Moreover, to the extent to which the frame 46 can be made bilaterally symmetrical and undercuts can be avoided, simple forming tools may be used.

[0020] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a frame front mounting slide-in guide 82 is formed in the frame upper portion 78 proximate the front support receptacle 48. A vertical frame front mounting bore 98 is formed in the frame upper portion 78 and is open at the frame front mounting slide-in guide 82 and at the frame top surface 76. A bolt 122 passes through a washer 126, through the sole front bore 72, through the frame front mounting bore 98 and into the frame front mounting slide-in guide 82, where it is secured to a nut 124 which is lodged in the frame front mounting slide-in guide 82, securing the frame 46 to the sole 44.

[0021] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a frame rear mounting slide-in guide 84 is formed in the frame upper portion 78 proximate the rear support receptacle 56. A vertical frame rear bore 100 is formed in the frame upper portion 78 and is open at the rear slide-in guide 84 and at the frame top surface 76. A bolt 122 passes through a washer 126, through the sole rear bore 74, through the frame rear bore 100 and into the frame rear mounting slide-in guide 84, where it is secured to a nut 124 which is lodged in the frame rear mounting slide-in guide 84, securing the frame 46 to the sole 44.

[0022] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a front brake block slide-in guide 90 is formed in the frame upper portion 78 proximate the frame front end 102. A slanted front brake block mounting bore 134 is formed in the frame front end 102 and is open at the front brake block slide-in guide 90 and at the frame front face 138. A bolt 122 passes through a rubber front brake block 88 and through the front brake block bore 134 and is secured to a nut 124 which is lodged in the front brake block slide-in guide 90, securing the front brake block 88 to the frame front end 102.

[0023] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a rear brake block slide-in guide 94 is formed in the frame upper portion 78 proximate the frame rear end 104. A slanted rear brake block mounting bore 136 is formed in the frame rear end 104 and is open at the rear brake block slide-in guide 94 and at the frame rear face 140. A bolt 122 passes through a rubber rear brake block 92 and through the rear brake block bore 136 and is secured to a nut 124 which is lodged in the rear brake block slide-in guide 94, securing the rear brake block 92 to the frame rear end 104.

[0024] With continued reference to FIG. 1, each of the aforementioned slide-in guides 82, 84, 90, and 94 opens laterally to form a guide access opening 86. The dimensions of each of the slide-in guides 82, 84, 90, and 94 and the dimensions of the nuts 124 are predetermined such that each nut may be inserted into one of the slide-in guides 82, 84, 90, and 94 through a guide access opening 86, but such that each nut is not free to rotate within the respective slide-in guide 82, 84, 90, and 94. Thus, each bolt 122 may be threaded into the corresponding nut 124 without the need of a separate tool to stabilize the nut 124. Assembly is hastened and simplified. In the assembled product, the nuts 124 are contained within the slide-in guides 82, 84, 90, and 94 and are thereby protected from impingement.

[0025] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the frame 46 forms a front support receptacle 48 and a rear support receptacle 56. The front support receptacle 48 houses a front bearing set 50 and a front axle 52 which has attached to it a pair of front wheels 54. The rear support receptacle 56 houses a rear bearing set 58 and a rear axle 60 which has attached to it a pair of rear wheels 62. The wheels 54 and 62 may be formed of metal, plastic, urethane and the like in the conventional manner.

[0026] It should be noted that, in a conventional four-wheeled skate, one bearing set would couple each axle end to a wheel, requiring a total of four bearing sets (eight, if each ring of bearings of a set is counted individually). In accordance with the present invention, however, only one bearing set is required for each axle. Thus, half the number of bearing sets is required and a simple, inexpensive fastener such as a bolt suffices to secure the wheel to the axle end, further reducing the cost of parts and assembly.

[0027] It should further be noted that, in a conventional four-wheeled skate, each axle is carried by a support frame which is itself attached to the frame or chassis of the skate by means of a large bolt, bushings, and a tongue-and-bearing arrangement. These additional, separate parts are costly and they complicate the assembly of the roller skate. They also add weight. Finally, they undesirably increase the height of the skate. However, in accordance with the present invention, the front support receptacle 48, being formed integrally with the frame 46, allows the frame 46 directly to support the front bearing set 50. Likewise, the integrally formed rear support receptacle 56 allows the frame 46 directly to support the rear bearing set 58. Thus, the child's roller skate in accordance with the present invention requires few parts and assembly steps, is light, and can be constructed to ride close to the ground, the height being determined essentially by the diameter of the wheels.

[0028] With particular reference to FIG. 2, a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 along line 2-2, it can be seen that the guide access opening 86 allows insertion of the nut 124 into the frame rear mounting slide-in guide 84. FIG. 2 shows nuts 124 resembling hexagonal nuts; however, nuts having a square or star shape are preferred for simpler insertion and better stabilization within the slide-in guides. It can also be seen that the single rear bearing set 58 supports the rear axle 60, to which the two rear wheels 62 are attached in a simple manner without the need of bearing sets at the ends of the rear axle 60. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A frame for a child's roller skate, said frame comprising: a frame upper portion adapted for approximation to a shoe, said frame upper portion being attachable to a shoe by at least one bolt and at least one nut for securing said bolt, said frame comprising means for accepting insertion of said nut and for so confining and rotationally stabilizing said inserted nut that said bolt may be secured to said nut by rotation relative to said frame while approximated to said nut; front and rear support receptacles for rotatably housing front and rear axles, at least one of said front and rear support receptacles being formed integrally with said frame; and a frame lower portion extending beneath said frame upper portion and connecting said front support receptacle to said rear support receptacle.
 2. A frame for a child's roller skate as set forth in claim 1, wherein both of said front and rear support receptacles are formed integrally with said frame.
 3. A frame for a child's roller skate as set forth in claim 1, wherein said integrally-formed support receptacle houses a bearing set, said bearing set being capable of supporting an axle.
 4. A frame for a child's roller skate as set forth in claim 3, further comprising an axle supported by said bearing set and a pair of wheels mounted on said axle.
 5. A frame for a child's roller skate as set forth in claim 1, wherein said frame is formed of plastic.
 6. A frame for a child's roller skate as set forth in claim 1, wherein said frame is further adapted for approximation to at least one brake block, said frame being attachable to said brake block by at least one bolt and at least one nut for securing said bolt, said frame comprising means for accepting insertion of said nut and for so confining and rotationally stabilizing said inserted nut that said bolt may be secured to said nut by rotation relative to said frame while approximated to said nut.
 7. A frame for a child's roller skate as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for accepting insertion of said nut is configured for insertion of said nut laterally and for approximation of said bolt to said nut with said bolt oriented substantially vertically.
 8. A frame for a child's roller skate, said frame comprising: a frame upper portion adapted for approximation to a shoe, said frame upper portion being attachable to a shoe by at least one bolt and at least one nut for securing said bolt, said frame comprising a substantially vertical bore for accepting said bolt and a substantially horizontal guide for accepting insertion of said nut and retaining said nut, said nut being positionable within said guide and in alignment with said vertical bore so as to receive said bolt and to transmit torque from said bolt to said frame; front and rear support receptacles for rotatably housing front and rear axles, at least one of said front and rear support receptacles being formed integrally with said frame; and a frame lower portion extending beneath said frame upper portion and connecting said front support receptacle to said rear support receptacle.
 9. A frame for a child's roller skate as set forth in claim 8, wherein said frame lower portion is formed integrally with said frame upper portion.
 10. A method of combining a shoe with a frame in a child's roller skate, said method including the steps of: providing a shoe having a sole; providing a frame, said frame comprising a frame upper portion adapted for approximation to a shoe, said frame comprising front and rear support receptacles for rotatably housing front and rear axles, at least one of said front and rear support receptacles being formed integrally with said frame, said frame comprising a frame lower portion located below said frame upper portion and connecting said front support receptacle to said rear support receptacle; approximating said frame upper portion to said sole; passing a bolt from said sole into said frame; inserting a nut into said frame; approximating said bolt to said nut; and rotating said bolt relative to said frame to secure said nut to said bolt. 